Attraction
uShaka Marine World
uShaka Marine World on Durban's Point combines the large Sea World aquarium, a water park, reptile house, rope park and beach access across a 16-hectare site.
Durban City Hall and Natural Science Museum
Durban's Edwardian City Hall, completed in 1910 and modelled closely on Belfast City Hall, houses the free Natural Science Museum on its first floor.
At a glance
- Type
- Historic city hall and natural history museum
- Area
- City Centre, Durban, South Africa
- Opening
- Open daily
- Official site
- durban.gov.za
Good to know
- Free entry
- Guided and self-guided tours
- Edwardian architecture
- School programmes
Why we recommend it
Durban City Hall is the grandest building in the city centre and a useful starting point for exploring the old downtown. It was put up between 1906 and 1910 to a design by the architect Stanley G. Hudson, in an Edwardian neo-baroque style, and it is a near copy of Belfast City Hall in Northern Ireland. Look up at the facades to see allegorical statues representing the arts, music, literature, commerce and industry. The building is listed on the national heritage register.
For most visitors the main reason to go inside is the Durban Natural Science Museum, which occupies the first floor of the cultural block. Its public galleries cover natural history and biodiversity, and the museum runs self-guided and guided tours, workshops and exhibition programmes, with plenty of activities designed around the school curriculum. One of the best-known exhibits is a rare, nearly complete dodo skeleton.
The museum is a good, inexpensive outing for families with children, school groups and anyone with an hour to spare in the centre, and it works well on a rainy or very hot day. Entry is free. Allow about an hour for the natural science galleries, plus a little extra time to walk around the outside of the building and look at the architecture.
The museum is open from Monday to Saturday between 08:30 and 15:45, and on Sundays and public holidays between 11:00 and 16:00. Groups and schools should contact the front desk in advance to arrange a guided visit. The museum also has a research centre on KE Masinga Road, which is not part of the public visit. Its separate Kwa-Zuzulwazi Centre in KwaMashu, an outreach science venue north of the city, was listed as temporarily closed at the time of writing.
City Hall stands on Anton Lembede Street in the heart of the central business district, a few blocks from the Old Court House Museum. The city centre is busy on weekdays, so keep valuables out of sight, and consider using a ride-hailing car or joining a guided city walk if you are unfamiliar with the area. From here it is a short drive or taxi ride to the Victoria Street Market and the Juma Masjid.
Durban City Hall and Natural Science Museum FAQs
Is entry free?
Yes. Entry to the Natural Science Museum is free.
When is the museum open?
Monday to Saturday from 08:30 to 15:45, and Sundays and public holidays from 11:00 to 16:00.
Where in the building is the museum?
On the first floor of the cultural block of City Hall, at 234 Anton Lembede Street.
What is the most famous exhibit?
A rare, nearly complete dodo skeleton is among the best-known items in the collection.
Who designed City Hall?
The architect Stanley G. Hudson. It was built between 1906 and 1910 and closely resembles Belfast City Hall.
Are guided tours available?
Yes. The museum offers guided as well as self-guided tours, and runs workshops and school programmes.
How long should I allow?
About an hour for the museum, plus time to look at the exterior of the building.
How do I contact the museum?
Call the front desk on +27 31 311 2256 or email the address published by the municipality.